Multi-factor autonomous sim lock

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, initializing a secure timer in a wireless device, determining whether a subscriber identification module (SIM) card installed in the wireless device comprises a carrier identity that matches a carrier identity stored in the machine-readable medium, establishing a network connection with a trusted server, starting the secure timer if the SIM card and network connection are satisfactory, periodically checking the network connection and SIM card until expiry of the secure timer, penalizing the secure timer responsive to a failure of the network connection or SIM card check, and responsive to expiry of the secure timer, unlocking a SIM lock. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS( )

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.application Ser. No. 16/289,756, filed Mar. 1, 2019. The contents of theforegoing are hereby incorporated by reference into this application asif set forth herein in full.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a system and method for ensuring useof a designated subscriber identification module (SIM) card using a SIMlock on a wireless device.

BACKGROUND

Many network carriers offer phones at a discount to customers inexchange for a contract to pay for the use of the network for aspecified time period. This business model allows the carrier to recoupthe cost of the phone over the life of the contract. However, theft ofsuch subsidized phones remains a large problem. Current technologiesinvolve 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) industry-standard“unlock codes.” A phone owner requests the unlock code from the carrier,which is readily supplied if certain financial obligations have beenmet. Unlock codes suffer from technology and/or supply chain weaknessesthat result in black market sales of unlock codes for a fraction of thephone's value. Over time, hackers have derived unlock codes bycompromising algorithms, unlock codes have been stolen, and backdoormethods around the unlock code scheme have been discovered.

Legacy and new solutions rely on secure memory on phones (devices) thatcannot be penetrated except by extremely skilled hackers with time andhardware resources. This memory may include secret keys, codes, logicthat can access and set or unset the SIM lock setting. New solutionsinvolve more sophisticated versions of trusted logic andfactory-embedded secret keys in the highly secure areas of devices wheresole control over the SIM unlock functionality resides. These solutionsadd more logic, more secret keys, and network connectivity that allowthe user to use an app that signals the underlying logic to send anunlock request hashed with secure keys to a network server upon whichthe server decrypts the ID and determines if the subscriber has metfinancial obligations. If so, a similarly encrypted unlock authorizationis sent to the device's trusted code to cause it to unlock the device toallow any SIM to be used. Although these solutions are robust, theyrequire a network server and manufacturing processes that involveinjecting additional code and unique identifiers into the trusted/securememory location of each device. They also require a network service thatdetermines unlock eligibility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary, non-limitingembodiment of a communications network in accordance with variousaspects described herein;

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a wireless device functioning within the communicationnetwork of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein;

FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system for implementing SIM lock logic that isfunctioning within the communication network of FIG. 1 in accordancewith various aspects described herein;

FIG. 2C depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a virtualized communication network in accordance withvarious aspects described herein;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of amobile network platform in accordance with various aspects describedherein; and

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acommunication device in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for implementing logic to ensure use of a carrier SIM card.Other embodiments are described in the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a wireless devicethat includes a processing system including a processor; and a memorythat stores executable instructions that, when executed by theprocessing system, facilitate performance of operations, such asinitializing a secure timer; determining that a valid subscriberidentification module (SIM) card is installed in the wireless device,resulting in a first determination; determining that a networkconnection has been established between the wireless device and atrusted server, resulting in a second determination; starting the securetimer if both the first determination and the second determination aretrue; penalizing the secure timer if the first determination or thesecond determination are false; repeating the first determination, thesecond determination, and the penalizing steps until expiry of thesecure timer; and responsive to expiry of the secure timer, unlocking aSIM lock.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include initializing asecure timer in a wireless device, determining whether a subscriberidentification module (SIM) card installed in the wireless devicecomprises a carrier identity that matches a carrier identity stored inthe machine-readable medium, establishing a network connection with atrusted server, starting the secure timer if the SIM card and networkconnection are satisfactory, periodically checking the networkconnection and SIM card until expiry of the secure timer, penalizing thesecure timer responsive to a failure of the network connection or SIMcard check, and responsive to expiry of the secure timer, unlocking aSIM lock

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a method,comprising: initializing, by a processing system including a processor,a secure timer; determining, by the processing system, whether asubscriber identification module (SIM) card installed in a wirelessdevice comprises a carrier identity that matches a carrier identity,resulting in a first determination; establishing, by the processingsystem, a network connection with a trusted server, resulting in asecond determination; starting, by the processing system, the securetimer responsive to the first determination and the seconddetermination; periodically repeating the determining and establishingsteps, by the processing system, until expiry of the secure timer, andpenalizing the secure timer responsive to a failure of the firstdetermination or the second determination; and responsive to expiry ofthe secure timer, unlocking, by the processing system, a SIM lock.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a communications network 100 inaccordance with various aspects described herein. For example,communications network 100 can facilitate in whole or in part providingcommunication services to the wireless device. In particular, acommunications network 125 is presented for providing broadband access110 to a plurality of data terminals 114 via access terminal 112,wireless access 120 to a plurality of mobile devices 124 and vehicle 126via base station or access point 122, voice access 130 to a plurality oftelephony devices 134, via switching device 132 and/or media access 140to a plurality of audio/video display devices 144 via media terminal142. In addition, communication network 125 is coupled to one or morecontent sources 175 of audio, video, graphics, text and/or other media.While broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130 andmedia access 140 are shown separately, one or more of these forms ofaccess can be combined to provide multiple access services to a singleclient device (e.g., mobile devices 124 can receive media content viamedia terminal 142, data terminal 114 can be provided voice access viaswitching device 132, and so on).

The communications network 125 includes a plurality of network elements(NE) 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. for facilitating the broadband access 110,wireless access 120, voice access 130, media access 140 and/or thedistribution of content from content sources 175. The communicationsnetwork 125 can include a circuit switched or packet switched network, avoice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network, Internet protocol (IP)network, a cable network, a passive or active optical network, a 4G, 5G,or higher generation wireless access network, WIMAX network,UltraWideband network, personal area network or other wireless accessnetwork, a broadcast satellite network and/or other communicationsnetwork.

In various embodiments, the access terminal 112 can include a digitalsubscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS), optical line terminal (OLT) and/or other access terminal.The data terminals 114 can include personal computers, laptop computers,netbook computers, tablets or other computing devices along with digitalsubscriber line (DSL) modems, data over coax service interfacespecification (DOCSIS) modems or other cable modems, a wireless modemsuch as a 4G, 5G, or higher generation modem, an optical modem and/orother access devices.

In various embodiments, the base station or access point 122 can includea 4G, 5G, or higher generation base station, an access point thatoperates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n, 802.11ac or otherwireless access terminal. The mobile devices 124 can include mobilephones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless modems, and/or othermobile computing devices.

In various embodiments, the switching device 132 can include a privatebranch exchange or central office switch, a media services gateway, VoIPgateway or other gateway device and/or other switching device. Thetelephony devices 134 can include traditional telephones (with orwithout a terminal adapter), VoIP telephones and/or other telephonydevices.

In various embodiments, the media terminal 142 can include a cablehead-end or other TV head-end, a satellite receiver, gateway or othermedia terminal 142. The display devices 144 can include televisions withor without a set top box, personal computers and/or other displaydevices.

In various embodiments, the content sources 175 include broadcasttelevision and radio sources, video on demand platforms and streamingvideo and audio services platforms, one or more content data networks,data servers, web servers and other content servers, and/or othersources of media.

In various embodiments, the communications network 125 can includewired, optical and/or wireless links and the network elements 150, 152,154, 156, etc. can include service switching points, signal transferpoints, service control points, network gateways, media distributionhubs, servers, firewalls, routers, edge devices, switches and othernetwork nodes for routing and controlling communications traffic overwired, optical and wireless links as part of the Internet and otherpublic networks as well as one or more private networks, for managingsubscriber access, for billing and network management and for supportingother network functions.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a wireless device functioning within the communicationnetwork of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.As illustrated in FIG. 1, the wireless device 200 comprises a modem 210,an application processor 220, a SIM card 230, radio hardware 240 andother subsystems, including a user interface (UI) 250.

The modem 210 comprises a secure memory 212. Secure memory 212 in modem210 requires substantial skill to hack due to its obscurity, and oftenrequires proprietary original equipment manufacturer (OEM) knowledge todo so. Located in the secure memory 212 is important “SIM lock control”logic 214 and operator-defined SIM lock settings. SIM lock control logic214 enables or disables fully connected services depending on alignmentof carrier identity in SIM card, allowed carrier identities securelyburned in the modem, and carrier identity announced by the prospectivenetwork to which the device wants to attach itself. Carrier identity istypically represented by the Mobile Country Code/Mobile Network Code,which are allocated by a global standards authority.

The application processor 220 comprises various program executionspaces, including a trusted space 221, a system space 222, and a userspace 223. These spaces vary in security and tamper-resistance from highto low. The application processor 220 further comprises a secureoperating system (OS) and memory 224, an OS and memory 225, and hardware226. In another embodiment, the secure memory 212 resides in a system ona chip (SOC) comprising both the modem 210 and the application processor220. In another embodiment, the secure memory 212 can be located incomponents entirely separate from the modem 210 and the applicationprocessor 220, or even part of an SOC, but can reside in a sufficientlysecure location in device 200 where memory and processing aresufficiently secure to realize protection mechanisms, such as thosedescribed herein.

The SIM lock logic can be implemented in one or more of theaforementioned program execution spaces. However, for security reasonsas much of the SIM lock logic would be placed in the secure memory 212of the modem 210. In an embodiment, the SIM lock logic is shown by adashed red box, which is spread across the more secure spaces of themodem 210 and the application processor 220. If the sensitive data,code, and logic are secured sufficiently by the security capabilities ofwhere they are stored, then all of the ancillary functions, such as afriendly UI, can be freely implemented in weaker areas, such as userspace 223, without loss of essential security. The SIM lock logicobserves various factors, and executes logic to determine eligibilityfor unlock, unlocks the device either automatically or on user requestif the device qualifies for unlock, and causes the SIM lock control toinfluence connectivity in accordance with the lock/unlock state,inserted SIM, available network, and burned-in allowed SIM list.

Not illustrated in FIG. 2A are incidental blocks of device hardware andsoftware, such as a graphics processor, memory, display, UI, sensors,etc. Many of these blocks are described in connection with FIG. 6 below.Modem 210 and application processor 220 may be implemented on separatechips, or may exist on one chip, i.e., a System-on-Chip (SOC).

FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system for implementing SIM lock logic that isfunctioning within the communication network of FIG. 1 in accordancewith various aspects described herein. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, system270 comprises a wireless device 200 with SIM lock logic 260, andexternal factors such as a global positioning system (GPS) 271, aBluetooth (BT) location beacon 272, a carrier network 275, a trustedtime server 277, and another trusted server 278. Since some of theexternal factors depend on network connectivity (besides GPS 271 or BTlocation beacon 272), a qualifying and activated SIM card would beneeded, which helps to ensure that the financial subsidy for device 200would be fulfilled based on a determination that sufficient subscriptiontime has passed.

SIM lock logic 260 can obtain time values from a trusted time server277, where time is a factor in determining when the device determinesthat it is qualified to allow unlock. To prevent this input from beingspoofed, the SIM lock logic 260 and the trusted time server 277 can beprovisioned with authentication technology, such as private/public keys(PKI), which ensure that served time values can be authenticated by SIMlock logic 260. PKI keys/certificates ensure authenticity of the carrierserver, but other authentication technology can be used to preventspoofing of trusted servers, including asymmetric and/or symmetric keyapproaches that are broader in scope than PKI. The carrier serveraddress and corresponding public key can be hardcoded in the securelogic of the device. Time values from a false source would be unable toform a value that passes the authentication check, and would be ignoredby SIM lock logic 260. However, the carrier must provide a suitablyconfigured trusted time server 277 that has keys paired with thosemanufactured into the wireless device 200. If SIM lock logic 260includes contact with a trusted network time server that is onlyaccessible via the carrier's cellular network, then the likelihood offulfillment of the financial subsidy is increased.

Other trusted servers 278 can be used in an embodiment where no literaldata exchange and confirmation of a completed unlock transaction mayoccur. But implicit information may be derived by a successful networktouch using a secured protocol such as HTTPS. Thus, the wireless devicecan have rules that require successful secure connection setups at anyrequired frequency. The connection setup does not require data payloadexchange. Simply setting up a successfully authenticated connection on aknown bearer is sufficient information. The wireless device can knowthat an active data account on the carrier network is in use. Thewireless device can treat WiFi connections more strictly asnon-qualifying, or they could be treated as qualifying under whateverembedded policy the device can use, e.g., if the WiFi network is knownto be domestic or if it has assigned a permissible IP address from aknown pool of IP addresses.

In an embodiment, the SIM lock logic can be further enhanced by addingnetwork eligibility logic, again without any actual data payloadexchange. The network can identify the subscriber account associatedwith the data connection. Network routing could refuse to route theconnection request to the touched server or the touched server couldrefuse to handshake the secure connection setup request. The SIM locklogic on the wireless device periodically must successfully touch thecarrier's server to keep the timer running towards expiration. If theuser is not a qualified and known subscriber, based on the installed SIMcard, or if the device is connecting from an invalid region, thehandshake can be refused, thus influencing the accumulated eligibilitydetermination at the device by way of persistently failing connections.This server capability would require real-time availability of qualifiedbearer information with routing/connection behavior, but the incomingsubscriber identity and network are knowable.

The server could respond to the connection request by sending aparticular certificate back to the device (or one that's notrecognized), choosing a particular encryption cipher (or one that'sunavailable at the client to cause a very distinct type of error), or bypacking information in the returned HTTP header or in the body of thecertificate. If the connection is established, the server could alsorespond with a redirect to a different URL where information is impliedin the specified URL and/or in the reaction of that URL to there-establishment of a new secure connection. All of these techniques arerecognizable by the wireless device and can be inputs to the SIM locklogic to keep the internal timer running. These checks are all trustedbecause only the carrier's server would have the PKI certificates. Anunsecure HTTP connection could be used to convey similar information,but there's no way for the wireless device to ensure that the messagesare genuine or spoofed messages. Security would thus be very weak andeasily faked in a hacker's unlocking lab. Some actual payload could beincluded in the connection request/response. The server could send someactual eligibility commands back to the device depending on thesubscriber's unlock eligibility.

In another embodiment, simple messaging service (SMS) can be used as analternative to a data connection. If the server has reliable informationon the subscriber SIM that is sending a text message over the carrier'snetwork, the carrier could provide an automatic response indicatingcompliance. The wireless device would similarly need to authenticatethat the message is coming from the carrier (in this case, the devicecannot check hard-to-forge PKI certificates). The carrier can exercisefiltering/authentication to ensure that messages originate from a numberthat the phone trusts. If the device checks for the presence of thecarrier's SIM card and a response from a hardcoded, trusted carriernetwork management system number (MSISDN) that the carrier networkensures can only originate from within the carrier network managementsystem, such a check should be sufficiently trustworthy, and theinternal timer in the SIM lock logic can be kept running.

Time values with a low level of trust can be obtained from carriernetwork 275 using the Network Identity and Time Zone (NITZ) standard,which is part of the larger 3GPP cellular protocol standards. However,NITZ standard time values are easy to spoof with commercially availablelab simulators.

But even GPS 271 or BT location beacon 272 could play a role in the SIMlock logic 260. SIM lock logic 260 can look to GPS hardware for timethat would normally be served from GPS 271. GPS 271 would be useful asanother trusted time source that can factor into the calculation of thesimple passage of time. However, a GPS time source can also be spoofedwith lab simulators, but in combination with other sources wouldrepresent an additional barrier to cracking SIM lock logic 260. As isdone in highly reliable and redundant systems such as spacecraft andaircraft navigation, separate systems run in parallel and cross-checkeach other. They continuously check for consistency and can makedecisions based on majority vote logic. A hacker would have tosimultaneously spoof all of them in the same way in the same time.

In an embodiment, GPS 271 can also enforce location logic that onlyaccumulates qualifying usage while in a prescribed geographic area.Bluetooth connectivity to a qualifying BT location beacon 272 or peerscould similarly serve as a strict location check. Thus, GPS 271 or BTlocation beacons 272 providing qualifying proximity checks can be partof SIM lock logic 260 as well.

In an embodiment, SIM lock logic 260 can utilize other touchable andauthenticable servers. Servers can return thin amounts of informationand/or affect their responses as a function of how the network assessesthe qualifications of the subscriber status as determined by the SIMcredentials in use.

In an embodiment, SIM lock logic 260 could use biometrics used toestablish user-unique information that can be assessed as needed todetermine eventual compliance with the qualifying criteria. Conceptuallythese would be similar to authenticating one's identity in order to meetqualifying criteria. For example, a fingerprint can be collected atfirst device boot. During normal usage, periodic checks of the userfingerprint can be made to make sure the device has not been transferredto another user. The unlock request, when it is eventually made of thedevice, can require that the original user make the request. Whileunusual in today's highly convenient and flexible device usage modelsthat focus on one financially responsible party who is free to loantheir device to anyone, these methods could find applicability in futureuse cases. Other user authentication factors in the 3-factor frameworkcould also be gathered and checked. Biometrics represent a “who youare.” A physical token (such as a digital fob or perhaps store and takea picture of an object that can be shown to the camera again for AIcomparison) is an example of a “what you have” factor. And a passwordwould be an example of a “what you know” factor.

FIG. 2C depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 280 in accordancewith various aspects described herein. As shown in FIG. 2C, the method280 begins at step 281, where a wireless device is turned on for thefirst time. Then, in step 282, the wireless device has an initial lockedstate, and an internal timer is initialized, but not started. Next, instep 283, conditions are checked to determine whether the timer shouldbe started. These conditions include checking that the carrier's SIMcard is installed in the wireless device, that the device hasestablished a wireless connection with the carrier's network, andretrieving a time stamp from a trusted network server, as describedabove. Additional checks may include checking a country code, a GPS timecheck, a GPS location check, a Bluetooth location beacon check, orcollecting biometric data such as a fingerprint, as described above. Ifany of the conditions are not met, the timer remains initialized, asillustrated by a return to step 282. However, if the conditions are met,the method proceeds to step 284.

In step 284, the wireless device remains locked, but the timer is eitherrunning or paused. The wireless device may provide full service only ifthe carrier's SIM card is installed within the device, and may provideemergency service otherwise. Next, in step 285, the wireless devicedetermines whether to conduct a periodic check. Such periodic checks maybe conditioned upon the passage of time, as determined by an offset fromthe last time stamp retrieved. In another embodiment, the internal timeris checked for a proper elapsed period. If the required period has notelapsed, then the method loops back to step 284. If the required periodhas elapsed, then the method proceeds to step 286.

In step 286, the SIM lock logic checks whether conditions are met tocontinue running the internal timer. These conditions may be the same asthose initially checked in connection with step 283, or they may bedifferent. For example, the conditions may be met if the carrier's SIMcard is installed in the device and the device has a connection to thecarrier's network. These extra checks deter shipment of devices toforeign countries by forcing devices to sit and be frequently connectedto the carrier's network and satisfy other conditions for the durationof the timer before they can be unlocked. If these conditions are notmet, then the process continues to step 287, where the wireless devicemay penalize the internal timer, by resetting the timer to the lastelapsed time that the condition check satisfactorily passed,reinitializing the timer, and/or pausing the timer. The SIM lock logicmay also check for a predetermined number of consecutive failures beforeimposing a penalty. The process continues by looping back to step 284.However, if the conditions in step 286 are met, the process continues atstep 288.

In step 288, the SIM lock logic will restart the timer, if it is notrunning. Next, in step 289, the SIM lock logic checks to see whether thetimer has expired. If not, then the process loops back to step 284. Ifthe timer has expired, then the process continues to step 290.

In step 290, the SIM lock logic may either unlock the deviceautomatically, or permit the device to be unlocked whenever a new SIMcard is installed in the device. An unlock password may be required aswell. Once unlocked, the device will provide full service with any SIMcard. The process ends at step 290.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 2C, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram 300 is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication networkin accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular avirtualized communication network is presented that can be used toimplement some or all of the subsystems and functions of communicationnetwork 100, the subsystems and functions of system 200, and method 280presented in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3. For example, virtualizedcommunication network 300 can facilitate in whole or in partcommunication paths to trusted network servers.

In particular, a cloud networking architecture is shown that leveragescloud technologies and supports rapid innovation and scalability via atransport layer 350, a virtualized network function cloud 325 and/or oneor more cloud computing environments 375. In various embodiments, thiscloud networking architecture is an open architecture that leveragesapplication programming interfaces (APIs); reduces complexity fromservices and operations; supports more nimble business models; andrapidly and seamlessly scales to meet evolving customer requirementsincluding traffic growth, diversity of traffic types, and diversity ofperformance and reliability expectations.

In contrast to traditional network elements—which are typicallyintegrated to perform a single function, the virtualized communicationnetwork employs virtual network elements (VNEs) 330, 332, 334, etc. thatperform some or all of the functions of network elements 150, 152, 154,156, etc. For example, the network architecture can provide a substrateof networking capability, often called Network Function VirtualizationInfrastructure (NFVI) or simply infrastructure that is capable of beingdirected with software and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocolsto perform a broad variety of network functions and services. Thisinfrastructure can include several types of substrates. The most typicaltype of substrate being servers that support Network FunctionVirtualization (NFV), followed by packet forwarding capabilities basedon generic computing resources, with specialized network technologiesbrought to bear when general purpose processors or general purposeintegrated circuit devices offered by merchants (referred to herein asmerchant silicon) are not appropriate. In this case, communicationservices can be implemented as cloud-centric workloads.

As an example, a traditional network element 150 (shown in FIG. 1), suchas an edge router can be implemented via a VNE 330 composed of NFVsoftware modules, merchant silicon, and associated controllers. Thesoftware can be written so that increasing workload consumes incrementalresources from a common resource pool, and moreover so that it'selastic: so the resources are only consumed when needed. In a similarfashion, other network elements such as other routers, switches, edgecaches, and middle-boxes are instantiated from the common resource pool.Such sharing of infrastructure across a broad set of uses makes planningand growing infrastructure easier to manage.

In an embodiment, the transport layer 350 includes fiber, cable, wiredand/or wireless transport elements, network elements and interfaces toprovide broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130,media access 140 and/or access to content sources 175 for distributionof content to any or all of the access technologies. In particular, insome cases a network element needs to be positioned at a specific place,and this allows for less sharing of common infrastructure. Other times,the network elements have specific physical layer adapters that cannotbe abstracted or virtualized, and might require special DSP code andanalog front-ends (AFEs) that do not lend themselves to implementationas VNEs 330, 332 or 334. These network elements can be included intransport layer 350.

The virtualized network function cloud 325 interfaces with the transportlayer 350 to provide the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide specificNFVs. In particular, the virtualized network function cloud 325leverages cloud operations, applications, and architectures to supportnetworking workloads. The virtualized network elements 330, 332 and 334can employ network function software that provides either a one-for-onemapping of traditional network element function or alternately somecombination of network functions designed for cloud computing. Forexample, VNEs 330, 332 and 334 can include route reflectors, domain namesystem (DNS) servers, and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)servers, system architecture evolution (SAE) and/or mobility managemententity (MME) gateways, broadband network gateways, IP edge routers forIP-VPN, Ethernet and other services, load balancers, distributers andother network elements. Because these elements don't typically need toforward large amounts of traffic, their workload can be distributedacross a number of servers—each of which adds a portion of thecapability, and overall which creates an elastic function with higheravailability than its former monolithic version. These virtual networkelements 330, 332, 334, etc. can be instantiated and managed using anorchestration approach similar to those used in cloud compute services.

The cloud computing environments 375 can interface with the virtualizednetwork function cloud 325 via APIs that expose functional capabilitiesof the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide the flexible and expandedcapabilities to the virtualized network function cloud 325. Inparticular, network workloads may have applications distributed acrossthe virtualized network function cloud 325 and cloud computingenvironment 375 and in the commercial cloud, or might simply orchestrateworkloads supported entirely in NFV infrastructure from these thirdparty locations.

Turning now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein. In order to provide additional context for various embodimentsof the embodiments described herein, FIG. 4 and the following discussionare intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitablecomputing environment 400 in which the various embodiments of thesubject disclosure can be implemented. In particular, computingenvironment 400 can be used in the implementation of network elements150, 152, 154, 156, access terminal 112, base station or access point122, switching device 132, media terminal 142, and/or VNEs 330, 332,334, etc. Each of these devices can be implemented viacomputer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers,and/or in combination with other program modules and/or as a combinationof hardware and software. For example, computing environment 400 canfacilitate in whole or in part the SIM lock logic.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

As used herein, a processing circuit includes one or more processors aswell as other application specific circuits such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit, digital logic circuit, state machine,programmable gate array or other circuit that processes input signals ordata and that produces output signals or data in response thereto. Itshould be noted that while any functions and features described hereinin association with the operation of a processor could likewise beperformed by a processing circuit.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devicesor other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to storedesired information. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or“non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 4, the example environment can comprise acomputer 402, the computer 402 comprising a processing unit 404, asystem memory 406 and a system bus 408. The system bus 408 couplessystem components including, but not limited to, the system memory 406to the processing unit 404. The processing unit 404 can be any ofvarious commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors andother multiprocessor architectures can also be employed as theprocessing unit 404.

The system bus 408 can be any of several types of bus structure that canfurther interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 406comprises ROM 410 and RAM 412. A basic input/output system (BIOS) can bestored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines thathelp to transfer information between elements within the computer 402,such as during startup. The RAM 412 can also comprise a high-speed RAMsuch as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 402 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 414(e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal HDD 414 can also be configured forexternal use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy diskdrive (FDD) 416, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette418) and an optical disk drive 420, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 422 or,to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such as theDVD). The HDD 414, magnetic FDD 416 and optical disk drive 420 can beconnected to the system bus 408 by a hard disk drive interface 424, amagnetic disk drive interface 426 and an optical drive interface 428,respectively. The hard disk drive interface 424 for external driveimplementations comprises at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus(USB) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies arewithin contemplation of the embodiments described herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 402, the drives and storagemedia accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable storage media above refersto a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and aremovable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other types of storage media which arereadable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flashmemory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the exampleoperating environment, and further, that any such storage media cancontain computer-executable instructions for performing the methodsdescribed herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 412,comprising an operating system 430, one or more application programs432, other program modules 434 and program data 436. All or portions ofthe operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 412. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 402 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 438 and apointing device, such as a mouse 440. Other input devices (not shown)can comprise a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick,a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like. These and otherinput devices are often connected to the processing unit 404 through aninput device interface 442 that can be coupled to the system bus 408,but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, anIEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 444 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 408 via an interface, such as a video adapter 446. Itwill also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a monitor 444can also be any display device (e.g., another computer having a display,a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.) for receiving displayinformation associated with computer 402 via any communication means,including via the Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to themonitor 444, a computer typically comprises other peripheral outputdevices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 402 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 448. The remotecomputer(s) 448 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer402, although, for purposes of brevity, only a remote memory/storagedevice 450 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprisewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 452 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 454. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 402 can beconnected to the LAN 452 through a wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork interface or adapter 456. The adapter 456 can facilitate wiredor wireless communication to the LAN 452, which can also comprise awireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with the adapter 456.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 402 can comprisea modem 458 or can be connected to a communications server on the WAN454 or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 454,such as by way of the Internet. The modem 458, which can be internal orexternal and a wired or wireless device, can be connected to the systembus 408 via the input device interface 442. In a networked environment,program modules depicted relative to the computer 402 or portionsthereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 450. It willbe appreciated that the network connections shown are example and othermeans of establishing a communications link between the computers can beused.

The computer 402 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can comprise WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, thecommunication can be a predefined structure as with a conventionalnetwork or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radiotechnologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.) to providesecure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can beused to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wirednetworks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operatein the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or with productsthat contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can providereal-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernetnetworks used in many offices.

Turning now to FIG. 5, an embodiment 500 of a mobile network platform510 is shown that is an example of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156,and/or VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. For example, platform 510 can facilitatein whole or in part the wireless device 200. In one or more embodiments,the mobile network platform 510 can generate and receive signalstransmitted and received by base stations or access points such as basestation or access point 122. Generally, mobile network platform 510 cancomprise components, e.g., nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers, ordisparate platforms, that facilitate both packet-switched (PS) (e.g.,internet protocol (IP), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM))and circuit-switched (CS) traffic (e.g., voice and data), as well ascontrol generation for networked wireless telecommunication. As anon-limiting example, mobile network platform 510 can be included intelecommunications carrier networks, and can be considered carrier-sidecomponents as discussed elsewhere herein. Mobile network platform 510comprises CS gateway node(s) 512 which can interface CS traffic receivedfrom legacy networks like telephony network(s) 540 (e.g., publicswitched telephone network (PSTN), or public land mobile network (PLMN))or a signaling system #7 (SS7) network 560. CS gateway node(s) 512 canauthorize and authenticate traffic (e.g., voice) arising from suchnetworks. Additionally, CS gateway node(s) 512 can access mobility, orroaming, data generated through SS7 network 560; for instance, mobilitydata stored in a visited location register (VLR), which can reside inmemory 530. Moreover, CS gateway node(s) 512 interfaces CS-based trafficand signaling and PS gateway node(s) 518. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTSnetwork, CS gateway node(s) 512 can be realized at least in part ingateway GPRS support node(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated thatfunctionality and specific operation of CS gateway node(s) 512, PSgateway node(s) 518, and serving node(s) 516, is provided and dictatedby radio technology(ies) utilized by mobile network platform 510 fortelecommunication over a radio access network 520 with other devices,such as a radiotelephone 575.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, PS gateway node(s) 518 can authorize and authenticatePS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions cancomprise traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to themobile network platform 510, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 550,enterprise network(s) 570, and service network(s) 580, which can beembodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced withmobile network platform 510 through PS gateway node(s) 518. It is to benoted that WANs 550 and enterprise network(s) 570 can embody, at leastin part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Basedon radio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) orradio access network 520, PS gateway node(s) 518 can generate packetdata protocol contexts when a data session is established; other datastructures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can begenerated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 518 cancomprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate packetizedcommunication with disparate wireless network(s), such as Wi-Finetworks.

In embodiment 500, mobile network platform 510 also comprises servingnode(s) 516 that, based upon available radio technology layer(s) withintechnology resource(s) in the radio access network 520, convey thevarious packetized flows of data streams received through PS gatewaynode(s) 518. It is to be noted that for technology resource(s) that relyprimarily on CS communication, server node(s) can deliver trafficwithout reliance on PS gateway node(s) 518; for example, server node(s)can embody at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, ina 3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s) 516 can be embodied in serving GPRSsupport node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)514 in mobile network platform 510 can execute numerous applicationsthat can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows,and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format . . . ) such flows. Suchapplication(s) can comprise add-on features to standard services (forexample, provisioning, billing, customer support . . . ) provided bymobile network platform 510. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that arepart of a voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gatewaynode(s) 518 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a datasession, and to serving node(s) 516 for communication thereafter. Inaddition to application server, server(s) 514 can comprise utilityserver(s), a utility server can comprise a provisioning server, anoperations and maintenance server, a security server that can implementat least in part a certificate authority and firewalls as well as othersecurity mechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s)secure communication served through mobile network platform 510 toensure network's operation and data integrity in addition toauthorization and authentication procedures that CS gateway node(s) 512and PS gateway node(s) 518 can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s)can provision services from external network(s) like networks operatedby a disparate service provider; for instance, WAN 550 or GlobalPositioning System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s)can also provision coverage through networks associated to mobilenetwork platform 510 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same serviceprovider), such as the distributed antennas networks shown in FIG. 1(s)that enhance wireless service coverage by providing more networkcoverage.

It is to be noted that server(s) 514 can comprise one or more processorsconfigured to confer at least in part the functionality of mobilenetwork platform 510. To that end, the one or more processor can executecode instructions stored in memory 530, for example. It is should beappreciated that server(s) 514 can comprise a content manager, whichoperates in substantially the same manner as described hereinbefore.

In example embodiment 500, memory 530 can store information related tooperation of mobile network platform 510. Other operational informationcan comprise provisioning information of mobile devices served throughmobile network platform 510, subscriber databases; applicationintelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates, flat-rateprograms, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s) consistentwith telecommunication protocols for operation of disparate radio, orwireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory 530 can also storeinformation from at least one of telephony network(s) 540, WAN 550, SS7network 560, or enterprise network(s) 570. In an aspect, memory 530 canbe, for example, accessed as part of a data store component or as aremotely connected memory store.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 5, and the following discussion, are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in whichthe various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on acomputer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination withother program modules. Generally, program modules comprise routines,programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particulartasks and/or implement particular abstract data types.

Turning now to FIG. 6, an illustrative embodiment of a communicationdevice 600 is shown. The communication device 600 can serve as anillustrative embodiment of devices such as data terminals 114, mobiledevices 124, vehicle 126, display devices 144 or other client devicesfor communication via either communications network 125. For example,computing device 600 can facilitate in whole or in part the modem 210,the application processor 220, or other subsystems of the wirelessdevice 200.

The communication device 600 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 602 (herein transceiver 602), a user interface (UI) 604, apower supply 614, a location receiver 616, a motion sensor 618, anorientation sensor 620, and a controller 606 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 602 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1×, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 602 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 608 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device600. The keypad 608 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 600 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 608 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 604 can further include a display610 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 600. In anembodiment where the display 610 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 608 can be presented by way of the display 610 withnavigation features.

The display 610 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 600 can be adapted to present a user interfacehaving graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The display 610 can be equipped withcapacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect howmuch surface area of a user's finger has been placed on a portion of thetouch screen display. This sensing information can be used to controlthe manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the userinterface. The display 610 can be an integral part of the housingassembly of the communication device 600 or an independent devicecommunicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (suchas a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 612 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 612 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI604 can further include an image sensor 613 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 614 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 600 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable communications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 616 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 600 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 618can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 600 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 620 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device600 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 600 can use the transceiver 602 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 606 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 600.

Other components not shown in FIG. 6 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 600 can include a slot for adding or removing an identity modulesuch as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or Universal IntegratedCircuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can be used for identifyingsubscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and soon.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only anddoesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” data storage,” “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage. Further,nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory cancomprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cachememory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available inmany forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter can bepracticed with other computer system configurations, comprisingsingle-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computingdevices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, smartphone, watch, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, etc.), microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like. Theillustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network; however, some if not allaspects of the subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alonecomputers. In a distributed computing environment, program modules canbe located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

In one or more embodiments, information regarding use of services can begenerated including services being accessed, media consumption history,user preferences, and so forth. This information can be obtained byvarious methods including user input, detecting types of communications(e.g., video content vs. audio content), analysis of content streams,sampling, and so forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring ofthis information can be responsive to an authorization provided by theuser. In one or more embodiments, an analysis of data can be subject toauthorization from user(s) associated with the data, such as an opt-in,an opt-out, acknowledgement requirements, notifications, selectiveauthorization based on types of data, and so forth.

Some of the embodiments described herein can also employ artificialintelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more featuresdescribed herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection withautomatically identifying acquired cell sites that provide a maximumvalue/benefit after addition to an existing communication network) canemploy various AI-based schemes for carrying out various embodimentsthereof. Moreover, the classifier can be employed to determine a rankingor priority of each cell site of the acquired network. A classifier is afunction that maps an input attribute vector, x=(x₁, x₂, x₃, x₄ . . .x_(n)), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class, that is,f(x)=confidence (class). Such classification can employ a probabilisticand/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysisutilities and costs) to determine or infer an action that a user desiresto be automatically performed. A support vector machine (SVM) is anexample of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates byfinding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which thehypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria from thenon-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classificationcorrect for testing data that is near, but not identical to trainingdata. Other directed and undirected model classification approachescomprise, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neuralnetworks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification modelsproviding different patterns of independence can be employed.Classification as used herein also is inclusive of statisticalregression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generictraining data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing UEbehavior, operator preferences, historical information, receivingextrinsic information). For example, SVMs can be configured via alearning or training phase within a classifier constructor and featureselection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automaticallylearn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited todetermining according to predetermined criteria which of the acquiredcell sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which ofthe acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existingcommunication network coverage, etc.

As used in some contexts in this application, in some embodiments, theterms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to refer to, orcomprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to anoperational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, whereinthe entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. As an example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By wayof illustration and not limitation, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components mayreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component maybe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. In addition, these components can execute from variouscomputer readable media having various data structures stored thereon.The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such asin accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., datafrom one component interacting with another component in a local system,distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet withother systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be anapparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical partsoperated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by asoftware or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein theprocessor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes atleast a part of the software or firmware application. As yet anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality ofthe electronic components. While various components have beenillustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiplecomponents can be implemented as a single component, or a singlecomponent can be implemented as multiple components, without departingfrom example embodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can include, but arenot limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications can be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “user equipment,” “mobile station,” “mobile,”subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” “mobiledevice” (and/or terms representing similar terminology) can refer to awireless device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wirelesscommunication service to receive or convey data, control, voice, video,sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. Theforegoing terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with referenceto the related drawings.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless contextwarrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based, at least, on complex mathematical formalisms),which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimizespace usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor canalso be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage,” data storage,” “database,”and substantially any other information storage component relevant tooperation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

What has been described above includes mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) “operably coupled to”, “coupledto”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/orindirect coupling between items via one or more intervening items. Suchitems and intervening items include, but are not limited to, junctions,communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functionalblocks, and/or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signalconveyed from a first item to a second item may be modified by one ormore intervening items by modifying the form, nature or format ofinformation in a signal, while one or more elements of the informationin the signal are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can berecognized by the second item. In a further example of indirectcoupling, an action in a first item can cause a reaction on the seconditem, as a result of actions and/or reactions in one or more interveningitems.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wireless device, comprising: a processingsystem including a processor; and a memory that stores executableinstructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitateperformance of operations, the operations comprising: determiningwhether a valid subscriber identification module (SIM) card is installedin the wireless device; detecting for a network connection between thewireless device and a server; starting a timer responsive to determiningthat a valid SIM card is installed in the wireless device and responsiveto detecting the network connection; penalizing the timer responsive todetermining that a valid SIM card is not installed in the wirelessdevice or responsive to not detecting the network connection, whereinthe penalizing the timer extends expiry of the timer upon which a SIMlock is permitted to be unlocked for the wireless device to provideservice with any installed SIM card; and repeating the determining, thedetecting, and one or more of the starting and the penalizing untilexpiry of the timer.
 2. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein thepenalizing the timer comprises pausing the timer.
 3. The wireless deviceof claim 1, wherein the penalizing the timer comprises resetting thetimer.
 4. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein the memory comprises asecure memory, and wherein values for the timer are stored in the securememory.
 5. The wireless device of claim 4, wherein the wireless devicecomprises a modem, and wherein the secure memory is located in themodem.
 6. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein the valid SIM cardcomprises a carrier identity that matches a carrier identity stored inthe memory.
 7. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein unlocking the SIMlock permits the wireless device to provide full service with anyinstalled SIM card.
 8. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein theoperations further comprise determining that a location of the wirelessdevice is outside of a predetermined range, and penalizing the timerbased on the determining that the location of the wireless device isoutside of the predetermined range.
 9. The wireless device of claim 1,wherein the operations further comprise determining that a location ofthe wireless device is within a predetermined range, and not penalizingthe timer based on the determining that the location of the wirelessdevice is within the predetermined range.
 10. The wireless device ofclaim 1, wherein the operations further comprise obtaining biometricdata, comparing the biometric data with previously stored biometricdata, and penalizing the timer responsive to a determination that thebiometric data does not match the previously stored biometric data. 11.A non-transitory machine-readable medium in a secure area of a wirelessdevice, comprising executable instructions that, when executed by aprocessing system including a processor, facilitate performance ofoperations, the operations comprising: determining whether a carrieridentity of a subscriber identification module (SIM) card installed inthe wireless device matches carrier identity information stored in thesecure area; detecting for a network connection between the wirelessdevice and a server; starting a timer responsive to determining that thecarrier identity matches the carrier identity information and responsiveto detecting the network connection; penalizing the timer responsive todetermining that the carrier identity does not match the carrieridentify information or responsive to not detecting the networkconnection, wherein the penalizing the timer extends expiry of the timerupon which a SIM lock embedded in the secure area is permitted to beunlocked for the wireless device to provide service with any SIM card;and repeating the determining, the detecting, and one or more of thestarting and the penalizing until expiry of the timer.
 12. Thenon-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 11, wherein unlockingthe SIM lock permits the wireless device to provide full service withany installed SIM card.
 13. The non-transitory machine-readable mediumof claim 11, wherein the operations further comprise determining that alocation of the wireless device is outside of a predetermined range, andpenalizing the timer based on the determining that the location of thewireless device is outside of the predetermined range.
 14. Thenon-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 11, wherein theoperations further comprise determining that a location of the wirelessdevice is within a predetermined range, and not penalizing the timerbased on the determining that the location of the wireless device iswithin the predetermined range.
 15. The non-transitory machine-readablemedium of claim 11, wherein the operations further comprise obtainingbiometric data, comparing the biometric data with previously storedbiometric data, and penalizing the timer responsive to a determinationthat the biometric data does not match the previously stored biometricdata.
 16. A method, comprising: determining, by a processing system of amobile device including a processor, whether a valid subscriberidentification module (SIM) card is installed in the mobile device;detecting, by the processing system, for a network connection betweenthe mobile device and a carrier server; permitting, by the processingsystem, a timer to run responsive to determining that a valid SIM cardis installed in the mobile device and responsive to detecting thenetwork connection; pausing, by the processing system, the timerresponsive to determining that a valid SIM card is not installed in themobile device or responsive to not detecting the network connection,wherein the pausing extends expiry of the timer upon which a SIM lock isallowed to be unlocked for the mobile device to provide service with anyinstalled SIM card; and repeating, by the processing system, thedetermining, the detecting, and one or more of the permitting and thepausing until expiry of the timer.
 17. The method of claim 16, whereinunlocking the SIM lock permits the mobile device to provide full servicewith any installed SIM card.
 18. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising determining that a location of the mobile device is outsideof a predetermined range, and pausing the timer based on the determiningthat the location of the mobile device is outside of the predeterminedrange.
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising determining that alocation of the mobile device is within a predetermined range, and notpausing the timer based on the determining that the location of themobile device is within the predetermined range.
 20. The method of claim16, further comprising obtaining biometric data, comparing the biometricdata with previously stored biometric data, and pausing the timerresponsive to a determination that the biometric data does not match thepreviously stored biometric data.